Re: Opening of South Frontenac museum

Enid Bailey | Aug 26, 2015

It occurred to me after reading the article (South Frontenac Museum opens in Hartington, Aug 20/15) that there are a great many people who deserve thanks for their contributions to this event, from its humble beginnings in my cottage in August of 2001 to the present. Starting with the founding members: Charlie Stewart, Bill Asselstine, Inie Platenius (all now deceased, but with us in spirit, I feel sure), Jim Reynolds and myself, and Ruth Wattam Brown, who started the ball rolling by suggesting I start up the group; to the directors who have steered the group over the years; to the many volunteers at events which we held to raise funds; to the members who supported our efforts with their generous contributions and attendance at meetings; and especially to the tireless team who worked so many hours to prepare the museum for the opening - I wish to take this opportunity to gratefully thank them all.

Special thanks go to Marg Axworthy and Ian Brummel from the Cloyne Pioneer Museum who showed us the way in the beginning; John McDougall who has been stalwart in his support and wise in his counsel; the South Frontenac Township Council from the time of Mayor Phil Leonard through Mayor Davison and now Mayor Vandewal; Ken Brown who followed me as president, and Barb Stewart who is seeing her husband's dream come true as the current president. As well, the Frontenac News who advertised, attended and reported on our events over the years, deserves special mention.

My hope is that now all your readers, and everyone in the community and beyond, will visit our museum to enjoy a trip into the past in South Frontenac, and carry on the tradition of “preserving the past for the future” which is the motto of the Portland District and Area Heritage Society.

- Enid (Reynolds) Bailey, founding president